Sheila Jordan
Sheila Jeanette Jordan (née Dawson; November 18, 1928 – August 11, 2025) was an influential American jazz singer and songwriter known for her pioneering bebop and scat singing style. Born in Detroit, Michigan, she faced a challenging childhood, being raised by her maternal grandparents in poverty-stricken Summerhill, Pennsylvania. Despite these hardships, Jordan's passion for music flourished, and she returned to Detroit by 1942, performing in jazz clubs and collaborating with artists like Charlie Parker.
In 1951, she moved to New York City to study music theory with Lennie Tristano and Charles Mingus, further honing her craft. Her marriage to pianist Duke Jordan in 1952 linked her to the jazz elite, although they divorced in 1962. Sheila Jordan's career spanned decades, during which she recorded with notable musicians and released her debut album, "Portrait of Sheila," in 1963. Known for her ability to improvise and her unique vocal style, she collaborated with artists such as Steve Kuhn, contributing significantly to the jazz genre. Her legacy is marked by critical acclaim and a profound influence on jazz singing.
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